Ms. Jean’s
Story

Having partnered with the Alpharetta Recreation, Parks and Culture Department to host five other public pianos in their city, we were excited to extend that relationship to include a new installation at the Alpharetta Arts Center for the debut of our 26th piano installation in the metro area. “Ms Jean” replaces “Ekphrasis” which was placed at the Alpharetta Arts Center in August 2019 and was retired in December 2022.

This newest piano was brought to life by Sarah Mangalapalli, a long-time resident of Alpharetta. “My design for the piano is based on a traditional quilt pattern known as Lafayette Orange, made modern with eye-catching colors and whimsical doodles,” said Mangalapalli. “It represents the blend of tradition and freshness that characterizes Alpharetta and complements the architecture of the Alpharetta Arts Center. The concept of the quilt is very meaningful to me; a quilt is a humble, practical work of art created out of love (often by an anonymous woman maker), and I cannot think of a better translation of this intention than “quilting” a playable piano in my beloved community.”

The baby grand was donated by the family of another Alpharetta resident, Ms. Jean Williams, who lived less than 1/2 mile from the Alpharetta Arts Center, where the piano now stands, serving the public. She took piano lessons from a young age and started singing in the church choir. She sang and played piano at the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church for church services and weddings for years. Ms. Jean loved her piano and played it everyday.

Sabine Genet on Ms. Jean Williams, “She would be thrilled To see all of us standing here today to dedicate her piano that brings her community together, for a complete stranger to get to know and enjoy her piano, for complete strangers to meet and make music together or enjoy listening to it.

“She was a force, and the beating heart of so many groups. And it’s just so right that Ms. Jean the piano will continue to be heard in the heart of her, our community in the years to come.”

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More about Ms. Jean Williams heard at the piano unveiling:

“She was an instigator with a good trouble kind of twinkle in her eyes!”

“She loved her community, neighbors, kids, fellow musicians and artists, people of all sorts.”

“She loved music and connected and taught through her musical gift.”

“She loved learning and teaching others to keep learning. A teacher who connected on an individual level, lit a fire, and encouraged to let your light shine.”

“She loved nature and animals, she loved the outdoors.”

“When Ms. Jean talked about her childhood or her time on her farm, roaming the fields and meadows, loving horses and birds, and really any creature, she would light up.”

“A community builder, deeply rooted and engaged in her community and shaping it along the way.”

“She was engaged in the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church music program in various forms and functions all of her Alpharetta life. She sang in the chancel choir and played piano with the youth choir, the kids choir and the cherub choirs. She has influenced many kids to pursue music professionally, or as a hobby, long after kids choir.” 

“She mentored teenagers through their faith and confirmation at church, sharing her love for community and our beautiful world around us, and poked, pulled and otherwise convinced young and old adults to get involved in this community we share.”

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Alpharetta Arts Center

The City of Alpharetta provides a diverse and vibrant environment that advances art and promotes local history to create connections and roots in the Alpharetta community. Public opportunities to engage with our community culture include the Alpharetta Arts Center, the Alpharetta & Old Milton County History Museum, art galleries featuring rotating exhibits, temporary and permanent public art projects, a walking historical marker tour, educational programming, curated music experiences, creative partnerships, and unique volunteer opportunities. For more information visit: www.alpharetta.ga.us/arts-culture.

Sarah Mangalapalli

I specialize in abstract paintings with an emphasis on mixed media collage. I love to surprise myself with ways I can use vintage/reused/handmade materials and intuitive marks and colors; I combine these with structured patterns to build multi-layered compositions with compelling hidden details. I often find myself revisiting quilt-like patterns and geometric shapes, perhaps influenced by my mother’s quilting hobby...and perhaps because I’m working to reconcile the structured and creative aspects of my own nature. My paintings are cheerful and approachable, and people are often delighted to find out how textural/scultural they are in-person. For more information go to www.SarahMangalapalliart.com.

Ms. Jean’s Birthdate: June 24, 2023
Installation #26

Share YOUR Ms. Jean Stories

If you have a story with Elmer that you’d like to share, please do so, we’d love to hear from you! We’d also enjoy seeing your pictures and videos.

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@PlayMeAgainPianos
#PMAPMsJean